The St. Raphael May-June calendars are now printed and available in the narthex at church.

Wednesday Evening Class, "The Icon" video series-

On May 9, 16, 23, 30 and June 6, 13, we will gather to watch a video series called "The Icon" and discuss what we have seen. This excellent series is produced by Serbian Bishop Jovan Puric. It is visually stunning and very informative. You won't want to miss it! We will begin at 7:45PM each week, immediately after the Akathist and end at about 9PM. Episodes are: Holy Images, Canons and Freedom, Image of God?, Struggle for the Icons, Forms of Icon, Power of the Name, Teaching and Exaltation.

2nd Annual Parish Camping Trip-

Come enjoy camping and outdoor worship Sat. June 9 - Sun. June 10 at F. W. Kent Park (northwest of Iowa City on Hwy. 6, between Tiffin and Oxford). All activities will be at the Youth Camp Ground. Campers can arrive anytime after 2pm on Saturday; families will bring their own picnic dinner, and we'll have outdoor vespers followed by a campfire and smores (a detailed schedule will follow). Sunday morning we'll have Matins, Liturgy, and a cookout together, and there is hiking and fishing at the lake. Sign-up sheets for camping and food are at the church. Come share the fun and fellowship!

Orthodox-related Art Exhibit-

Maria Terzopoulou (of St. John the Baptist Church in Cedar Rapids) will have on display an exhibit for her senior thesis titled “Byzantine Aegina: Faces of the Mother of God” on Sunday, May 13 (6:00pm-7:00pm) at the Janalyn Hanson White Art Gallery on the Campus of Mount Mercy University(1330 Elmhurst Dr. NE) in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Parish Council Meeting-

Our May Parish Council meeting will be on Tuesday, May 15 at 7PM. All are welcome to attend.

Midwest Antiochian Women's Retreat-

The 7th annual Midwest Antiochian Women's Retreat is to be held at the Dormition of the Mother of God Monastery in Rives Junction, Michigan May 18-20, 2012. This year’s speaker is Molly Sabourin. She will present two topics on Saturday, May 19: Living our Ancient Faith in a Modern Society and Finding Peace in the Midst of Chaos. Molly is a writer and podcaster for Ancient Faith Radio. She is also a wife and mother of 4. Her first book is called Close to Home published by Conciliar Press. Registration information is posted in the narthex on the bulletin board.

Vesperal Liturgy for the Ascension-

On Wednesday, May 23 at 6PM, we will celebrate the Ascension of our Lord with a Vesperal Liturgy. Following the service, we will have our video class viewing and discussion of "The Icon."

Graduation Party-

Hannah Valentine is graduating from high school! All are invited to celebrate with her and her family at the church on Saturday, May 26. There will be an Open House from 11AM-2PM in the church fellowship hall. Please rsvp to Kh. Maria at 319-471-5616 or sixhappyhearts@juno.com.

2012 Midwest Parish Life Conference-

St. Mary Orthodox Church in Palos Heights, IL is hosting the 65th annual Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest Parish Life Conference June 27-July 1. All are welcome! This is not just a conference for clergy. For information on tickets and schedule, go to: www.2012midwestplc.org.

Do You Have a Prayer Request? Please give it to Fr. Ignatius and he will distribute it by email to all those on the Prayer Chain. If you wish to join the Prayer Chain, please let Fr. Ignatius know.

Holy Bread-

On Sunday May 13, the Holy Bread will be provided by the Muste family. Thank you in advance.

Choir Leadership-

During the weekend of May 12-13, Matthew Arndt will lead the choir.

Coffee Hour- On Sunday May 13, the food for coffee hour and clean-up of the fellowship hall will be provided by the St. Raphael team.

Church Cleaning- During the week following Sunday May 6, the cleaning of the nave, narthex, bookstore/library, stairs, nursery and bathrooms will be provided by the St. Nina team.

Food for Thought-

To those who are distrustful, who doubt and dispute and use only the faculty of reason and are not open to God, God does not show himself. God does not enter locked souls; He does not force an entrance.